John "Buddy" Edward Brennan

John Edward (Buddy) Brennan passed away peacefully at the age of 89 in Shenandoah, Texas on March 10, 2025 surrounded by generations of family after a courageous battle with colon cancer. He leaves behind an enduring legacy and will be remembered for his sense of humor, generosity, faithfulness, unwavering wisdom and devotion to his wife of 67 years, Mary Louise Brennan, and their six children, 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. John, born in the Bronx, New York to Margaret and James Brennan, was the younger brother of James (Jimmy) Brennan and quickly earned the nickname “Buddy” for his friendliness, engaging charm and easy grin. Buddy was proud of his Irish heritage, loyal to his Catholic faith and loved all sports, especially playing football. He attended Iona College in New Rochelle, New York where he graduated with a business marketing degree in 1957. He served in the Navy reserves for eight years while building a career in insurance that spanned more than four decades. He met the love of his life Mary Louise Thomas in the Bronx, New York and married her at St. Lucy’s Catholic Church on August 31, 1957. They welcomed and raised six children in Pittsburgh where they found community and camaraderie through service and their involvement with St. Louise de Marillac Church and school. Buddy combined his passion for family and sports by coaching football, basketball, baseball and girls softball, girls powderpuff, and later served as an official and swim team president. When an opportunity arose in warm and sunny Texas, he relocated his family to Houston where he developed expertise in energy risk and insurance. Buddy and Louise created a warm and welcoming home with ever-open arms for large holiday gatherings, gamedays and celebrations overflowing with food and laughter. Buddy never met a stranger and was quick to make friends a drink or bowl of icecream. He especially delighted in epic Christmas mornings, going overboard with presents piled high and mountains of eggs benedict. Buddy and Louise also served DePelchin Children’s Center in Houston and helped foster 27 children before their adoption. Buddy and Louise cherished family vacations and memories made together with their children and grandchildren at the beach in Cape May, New Jersey and Florida and in Ireland. Buddy set an example in many ways and leaves behind a legacy of family, service and faith. He is preceded in death by his parents Margaret and James Brennan and brother James (Jimmy) Brennan. He is survived by his children and their spouses Mary Lou and Jim Hawkins, Carol and Eric Osterman, Susan and Bill Osterhout, John and Christina Brennan, Jean and David Teague, Erin and Brian Gilmore, as well as grandchildren Ryan Hawkins, Emily Guigou, Madison Hawkins, Lisa Garner, Mandy Hixon, Matthew Osterman, Alayna Reynolds, Mason Brennan, Reece Brennan, Andrew Teague, Sarah Anglin, Harrison Teague, Thomas Gilmore, Daniel Gilmore and 13 great-grandchildren. A mass and memorial service will be held at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Parish 26777 Glen Loch Dr The Woodlands, TX 77381 on March 28, 2025 at 10am, followed by a celebration of life. The service will be available livestream provided by the church via the following links: https://www.youtube.com/ssjwoodlands https://www.facebook.com/ssjwoodlands The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Millennium Oncology and Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands. Those who wish may consider a donation in Buddy’s honor to Meals on Wheels Montgomery County. The Addison family and staff of Magnolia Funeral Home extend condolences to the Brennan family during this difficult time. Following cremation and a Celebration of Life, Mr. Brennan's urn will be laid to rest at Magnolia Memorial Gardens, adjacent to Magnolia Funeral Home.